California on Thursday joined the growing list of states that let immigrants in the United States illegally obtain drivers' licenses, a measure supported not only by Hispanic activists but by police chiefs and insurance authorities. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown predicted other parts of the country will follow the example of the nation's most populous state. The licenses, expected to become available by January 2015, will carry a special designation on the front and a notice stating that the document is not official federal identification and cannot be used to prove eligibility for employment or public benefits. Ten other states have enacted similar measures, but some issue only one kind of license.

United Nations

In first, Saudis cancel U.N. speech

Saudi Arabia, frustrated by what it apparently regarded as policy setbacks over Syria, Iran and Palestinian statehood, abruptly canceled its turn to speak this week at the annual United Nations General Assembly, diplomatic officials and Arab news agencies reported Thursday. They said it was the first time that the Saudis, who are strong American allies, had scrapped the opportunity to state their positions on world affairs, not even submitting a written statement in lieu of a speech.

San Francisco

Fecal matter pill found effective

Fecal transplants are gaining ground as a highly effective treatment for recurrent infection with the intestinal bacteria clostridium difficile. But the "yuck factor" deters physicians from offering the procedure to patients who could benefit, said a Canadian gastroenterologist who has come up with a solution: a gelatin capsule filled with the highly compacted fecal matter of a patient's family member. Dr. Thomas Louie of the University of Calgary said he has treated 32 patients with the pills, and all but one suffered no recurrence of the stubborn and painful intestinal infection. Louie reported on his innovation at the ID week meeting of infectious disease researchers and clinicians.

Elsewhere

Moscow: The Russian Foreign Ministry said Thursday it evacuated its embassy in Tripoli, Libya, after armed men stormed the complex the day before.

Baltimore: North Korea's main nuclear complex was discharging hot wastewater in a further sign the nation has restarted a Soviet-era nuclear reactor it used to obtain plutonium fuel for atomic bombs, a U.S. research institute said Thursday.

Jamaica: International scientists found six frogs and 11 fish in Suriname's rainforest that are among 60 creatures that may be new species, an ecologist with U.S.-based Conservation International said Thursday.

There is a reason why the air in Tampa Bay is filled with playoff talk. If Thursday night's 12-8 Bucs preseason win over the Jaguars is any indication, it's also going to be filled with footballs thrown by quarterback Jameis Winston.